Free Camping Collection
Dispersed Camping
The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park
About
National Park Service
Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve
Explore any part of the 30 square mile dunefield you wish; there are no designated trails in the sand. A dunes-accessible wheelchair is available for free loan at the Visitor Center. Summer air temperatures are pleasant at this high elevation, but during afternoon hours the sand surface can reach 150F degrees, and dangerous thunderstorms can develop. Plan to hike the dunes in early morning or evening to avoid heat exhaustion, burned feet, or fatal lightning strikes.
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
Beautiful & striking landscape
Went in May when there was a bit of water flowing in the river. The beautiful mountains all around the sand dunes was wonderful to see. Clean park with lots to do.
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Nothing like it!
I stayed here 2 nights. Perfect temperature at this time of year, little wind. I've never seen a landscape like it. I hiked a few miles in barefoot starting at 4 ending at 7 pm. The sunset on the dunes is fantastic and the stars are even better. The next day was great in the morning, I climbed the highest dune. After that though it was hot and somewhat boring, as a fellow traveler told me once you seen one dune you've seen them all, that's what it felt like at least. Bring a lot of water!
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WOW just WOW
Stayed here 1 night with the backcountry permit through recreation.gov to see the stars and stay the night in the dunes. The hike in over the dune to a camp site with all your gear is frankly not easy, but it's short distance so it's manageable. Climbing in the sand is challenging with the extra weight of the pack and if the wind picks up you get whipped with sand BUT it is 100% worth it. We hiked in around 5/5:30pm at the end of the heat and were set up eating dinner around 8pm. Took a lot of breaks hiking in and went through a lot of water. In total we brought about a gallon of water each, and by the time we hiked out the next morning we were down to the last couple of ounces. Just the tent, no rain fly and using our sleeping bags as quilts was perfect in June. Even if you don't camp out the dunes are open for star gazing, and I highly recommend that. I tried hiking in both sneakers and just socks. Just socks was much better keeping your feet light and reducing cramping. Note: bugs come out at dusk so be ready with lots of spray and cover your limbs and bring good sunblock, you will get toasted.
Location
The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park is located in Colorado
Coordinates
37.791596 N
105.594328 W